Bicycle MechanicsBroken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

I recently bought a well used 2000 Rockhopper comp. when I first got it the cones on the front wheel were very out of adjustment. Neither the cones or the races were pitted, so I repacked the hub with new bearings, and did a minor true job on the wheel. I then took it for a ride. When I pull the front brake I get a lot of feedback in the lever. So I pulled the wheel off again, and put it in the truing stand. It was very true (withing 1mm, but it had about 2mm of hop) busted out the spoke wrench again, detensioned the whole wheel, and re-tensioned it. no more hop, and still true within 1mm. I thought for sure this would take care of it.
nope.
So, I checked the brake bolts (V-brakes) and they are tight.
checked the headset. Tight.
Checked the cones again. Tight and smooth.

Sounds like a dented rim, although I imagine you would have noticed that on the truing stand. Since you've also checked the headset, hub and brake bolts, it could be lots of bushing slop in your fork. Also check the condition and alignment of the pads; it could be that one or both are hitting the tire, or even diving and grazing the spokes.

put the front brake on, try to rock the bike back and forth, bad bushings will knock back and forth (a little squidge is normal)
alternately, for more severe wear, grab the stanchion and the fork lower and try to move them back and forth.

put the front brake on, try to rock the bike back and forth, bad bushings will knock back and forth (a little squidge is normal)
alternately, for more severe wear, grab the stanchion and the fork lower and try to move them back and forth.

nothing out of the ordinary...

now, I just tossed the wheel in the stand and it seems to be a little tweaked (dented a little - maybe 2mm). im going to try and straighten it out a little more.